EQIP Monies for ForestryBy borges, Section Hills and Valleys
The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) is opening up their cost-share program, EQIP, for resource activities, including forestry from Jan 19th to Feb 19th - with a possibility of extending that last date. Activities related to forestry that are cost-sharable through EQIP (county depending) are 1) tree/shrub establishment, 2) forest stand improvement, and 3) forest trails and landings.
More on this and the WiDNR programs in the full story....
NRCS is a federal agency and this cost-sharing should not be confused with the Wisconsin DNR's WFLGP cost-sharing. EQIP pays a flat rate for practices where as WFLGP pays 50% of a practice cost up to a limited amount. EQIP and WFLGP cannot be used together for the same practice. EQIP opens and closes when the federal government says it does, WFLGP applications are processed quarterly with practices accepted as money is available. The DNR oversees WFLGP while EQIP is overseen by NRCS with payments coming through Farm Services Agency (FSA). The DNR normally helps NRCS with the technical side of the activities since NRCS does not have foresters on staff. The paperwork and process for EQIP is a little more tedious than WFLGP - it's been my experience. Activities for EQIP could not start until the sign up period closes and practices are approved, which could be as late as next fall - so tree planting this year could not be cost-shared with this application. A stewardship plan or MFL plan are necessary to receive cost-sharing from either program.
The three reasons I am highlighting EQIP this sign up is because WFLGP's quarterly batching period ends February 1st, the state may not have enough money this year to fully fund WFLGP, and because EQIP's flat rates look pretty generous this year. If any members are interested in EQIP or have questions they can contact their local NRCS office or me. Below is a website that gives an overview on EQIP http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/PROGRAMS/EQIP/ Patrick Dayton Southwest Badger Resource Conservation & Development 220 Airport Road Viroqua, WI 54665
(608) 637-5479 |
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